Premier: ‘We Will Always Stand With Labour’
“We will always serve workers, we will always stand strong with labour,” Premier David Burt said, adding that “we will continue our collective work to dismantle the Two Bermudas and replace it with One Bermuda.”
Speaking at Monday’s Labour Day event, Premier Burt said, “Good Morning Brothers and Sisters; Workers, Members, and Observers of our Labour Movement, on behalf of the Government and the people of Bermuda I wish you a Happy Labour Day!
“Today, we honour the people who make Bermuda work: the electricians and the plumbers – the teachers and the public servants – the bus drivers and the dock workers – the hotel workers and the postal workers; our mechanics, carpenters and masons; the ferry pilots and the branch pilots, the doctors, nurses, custodians; those in our uniformed services, the linesmen and women who keep the lights on, and the entertainers who brighten our dark days. All of the workers who put in an honest day’s work. And, for that honest day’s work, organized labour ensures they get an honest day’s pay.
“The Progressive Labour Party I lead is rooted in the union movement. We include trade unionists in our ranks and unlike some, we do not view unions with disdain.
“We view our unions and their members as partners in the development of our nation. We believe that when we all work together – business, government and labour – that only then can all boats in our society be lifted.
“There are some persons in our society who view organized labour with disdain. They seek to privatize public services and roll back the steps this Government has taken to make our tax system fairer, by taxing the wealth built off of your labour. And, they are the ones who, in these difficult times, are telling workers to “be grateful you have a job.”
“I have news for those types of persons: Workers fight for fairness, fight for equality, and fight against workplace discrimination. Workers are people who must be treated fairly.
“Labour’s principles and values have built a fairer and more equitable society, and it is our job to strengthen workers’ rights, not dismantle them. That is why it matters who the Government is.
“Consider Government’s support for Workers during the pandemic. Just like the labour movement, we established benefits for everyone because it was the right thing to do; not just people voted for us, but ‘Workers’ full stop; that is a Labour value.
“And Brothers and Sisters, the Labour leaders of today, from Bro Furbert, to Bro Ball, to Dr. Charles and to BTUC President Sister Betty-Ann Caesar. I have had the honour or working with all of them since I have held this office and – , I actually joke with President Furbert and say – “Bro Chris, you’ve been negotiating longer than I’ve been alive” – but all jokes aside, the country is blessed to have strong a courageous labour leaders like these men and women – who ensure that their members are never ignored and are always recognised for their value.
“Brothers and Sisters, it really matters when Workers consider their family’s future and must ponder which party respects working people. Ours is a party and government rooted in Labour and I would be remiss not to mention those in the labour movement – past and present – who stood strong for workers’ rights in good times and bad. My Constituent Bro. Ottiwell Simmons, Sis. Molly Burgess, Glenn ‘Dingbat’ Simmons, Sis Barbara Ball, Bro. Eugene Blakeney , Sis Leleath Bailey, Bro. Derrick Burgess, Dr. Eva Hodgson, Bro Calvin Smith and Bro. Jason Hayward.
“I know you all know Jason Hayward but for those watching at home who may not: Bermuda’s Minister responsible for Labour is a former President of the Bermuda Public Services Union and former President of the Bermuda Trade Union Congress who has represented Labour at here at home and abroad. I am immensely proud and the country is fortunate to have him as our Minister of Labour.
“These are times when Workers are facing a “new normal”, and that’s true. But some Workers believe the new normal creates a “fearful future”. It must not!
“Brother and sisters, we are living through a pandemic. Yes, there will be uncertainty, and yes there are challenging times ahead, but rest assured the Progressive Labour Party will maintain a heart for the people as we work to solve unprecedented problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though our discussions may not always be easy, and at times we may not always see eye to eye, there is one thing that you should never forget.
“The Progressive Labour Party, made up of the sea of green you see here with you today, we will always serve Workers, we will always stand strong with labour, and together – with your support – we will continue our collective work to dismantle the Two Bermudas and replace it with one Bermuda built of the principle of fairness. Workers built our past and workers will build our prosperous future.
“May God continue to bless the Labour Movement and when labour is blessed and strong, Bermuda be blessed and strong. United we Stand.”
PLP will always stand on the shoulders of workers versus promoting them to highest levels! That’s the problem Mr Premier – you keep your people down and frighten them to get the mass votes!
That’s 80s polititricks and my generation is on to you! Time for you to go!
Well UBP/OBA stands with ex-pats, wealthy merchants and privatization.
And ya problem is?
If you could read, you would see from the Employment report issued today that there was an increase of 300 work permits between 2018 and 2019. Expats. PLP enabled expats.
Stick with 25-11, which is 14 as I’ve told you before.
Excuse me!!! Did you see the recent dinner, gala PLP just held at $20,000 per table??
Citation please
OBA stands for intelligence and fiscal responsibility…PLP stands for homophobia
“There are some persons in our society who view organized labour with disdain. They seek to privatize public services and roll back the steps this Government has taken to make our tax system fairer, by taxing the wealth built off of your labour. And, they are the ones who, in these difficult times, are telling workers to “be grateful you have a job.”
Mr. Premier, the time may soon come when you are “grateful to have a job”.
If you continue your rhetoric and drive away business, you will have all workers and no businesses for them to work in. Those who risk their capital to start a business should be entitled to the rewards of its success. If you want to give to the workers, take it out of your own pocket, not the Government’s and not mine.
guess we will find out on Oct 1 if they have fooled the workers again. they don’t stand for us but so many are duped. sad.
Lol…wait til those taxes to be announced in next year’s Govt budget kick in. Then we’ll see who stands with who.
Where is your social distancing? PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH.
TYPICAL UNION AND PLP.
Huh??? You trying to squeeze more and more from us yet you and your blind muppets make so much money and have stupid expensive dinners and galas. You slap us in our faces and expect us to continue to follow you. WAKE UP BERMUDA!
Showing up at a labour parade and saying the right words always works. October 2 will start the reality and nobody is gonna be happy.
What he fails to say is that with a labor government you will have more labor unrest. And that’s a fact.
“What he fails to say is that with a labor government you will have more labor unrest. And that’s a fact.”
No, that is a prediction. They used to teach that distinction at Whitney Institute